Council Bluffs man cleared of prostitution charge wants job back

After being cleared in a prostitution case last week, a Council Bluffs City councilman and former Omaha firefighter is planning his future. On Friday, a jury found Darren Bates not guilty of soliciting prostitution and now he says he wants another term on the city council and wants his job back.

Bates was apparently gone for 16 days after his arrest in February and fire department officials say he was absent without leave. Bates says the department knew he was in a hospital at that time due to stress. Bates’ attorney now plans to meet with Mayor Mike Fahey to ensure he is reinstated.